Samambaia Liveaboard

Samambaia

Explore Indonesia's underwater wonders in luxury aboard a traditional Phinisi.

14
Indonesia
2015

About This Vessel

Indonesia's diverse archipelago, a confluence of major ocean currents, sustains a rich marine ecosystem and serves as the operational area for this traditional phinisi. The Indonesian archipelago acts as a vast system of passages for the planet's largest movement of water, the Indonesian Throughflow. This constant transfer from the Pacific to the Indian Ocean fuels a marine ecosystem of immense r…

Upcoming Departures

Upcoming Departures

Onboard Amenities

Free Internet
En-Suite bathrooms
Aircon Cabins
Non-Diver (Snorkeler) Friendly
Warm Water Showers
Massage
Air Conditioned saloon
Sun Deck
Camera Station
Nearly 1:1 Crew-to-Guest Ratio

Dining & Beverages

Fine Cuisine
Al Fresco Dining
Vegan Options
Vegetarian Options
Beer available
Wine Available
Full-board Option
Fine Wines Selection
Snacks All Day
Western Food

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience on board the Samambaia, where international cuisine is prepared daily using the freshest local ingredients. Guests can enjoy a full-board meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often served al fresco for a memorable dining experience under the stars. The onboard chef excels at creating a variety of dishes, from Western favorites to authentic local flavors, alongside freshly baked bread and pastries. Dietary restrictions, including vegan and vegetarian options, are happily accommodated upon request. Throughout the day, complimentary soft drinks, tea, and coffee are available, complemented by a selection of snacks. Fine wines and beer are also offered for purchase, enhancing the overall dining pleasure.

Dive Equipment & Setup

Shaded Diving Area
DIN Adaptors
Rinse Hoses
Dive deck
Tenders for diving
Individual gear storage
Hot showers on dive deck

Dive Area & Sites

Indonesia offers some of the world's most spectacular diving, with the Samambaia exploring diverse and vibrant regions like Raja Ampat, the Banda Sea, Alor, and Komodo. Divers can expect to encounter an incredible array of marine life, from schooling fish and pelagics to macro critters and pristine coral reefs. The vessel provides up to 4 dives per day, including thrilling night dives, ensuring ample opportunity to explore. Experienced dive guides lead small groups, catering to all skill levels, while the well-equipped dive deck and tenders make every dive excursion smooth and enjoyable. Surface intervals are also filled with adventure, offering activities like scenic lagoon rides, trekking, and visits to secluded beaches, making the entire journey a comprehensive exploration of Indonesia's natural beauty.

Important Information

What's Included

VAT · Airport Transfer

Not Included & Local Fees

Fuel Surcharge (150-250 USD per trip) · National Park Fees (75-250 USD per trip)

Airport Transfers

Return airport transfers and hotel transfers are included in the trip price. Guests will be met at the designated airport or hotel and transported to the embarkation point.

Insurance Recommendation

We strongly recommend all guests to purchase comprehensive dive accident insurance and trip cancellation insurance before departure. Dive accident insurance covers medical treatment, hyperbaric chamber costs, and emergency evacuation in the event of a diving incident. Trip cancellation insurance protects your financial investment — not only if you need to cancel or cut short your trip due to personal illness, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances, but also if the trip is postponed or cancelled by the operator due to severe weather, technical issues, or other operational reasons. In the unlikely event of operator insolvency, cancellation insurance can also help recover your payments. Please ensure your policies are valid for the entire duration of your trip and cover the planned activities.

Rental Gear

15L tanks: 60 USD per trip · BCD: 85 USD per trip

Accommodation

Twin Cabin

Twin Cabin

Twin • Lower Deck

1x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate en-suite bathroomIndividually controlled ACUnder-bed storage
Double Cabin

Double Cabin

Double • Lower Deck

5x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate en-suite bathroomIndividually controlled ACUnder-bed storage
Luxury Master Cabin

Luxury Master Cabin

Double • Upper Deck

1x
👥 2 GuestsPrivate en-suite bathroomIndividually controlled ACUnder-bed storage

Booking & Travel FAQ

How does the booking process work?

Select a cabin and departure on Samambaia, and we send a real-time inquiry to the operator. After availability is confirmed, you receive a booking confirmation by email and secure your spot with a deposit.

When do I need to pay?

A deposit (usually 25-35%) is due upon confirmation. The remaining balance is typically due 4-8 weeks before departure, depending on the operator.

What documents will I receive?

After your final payment, you'll receive a travel voucher with meeting point, embarkation time, airport transfer details, packing tips, and your full itinerary.

How do I get to the boat?

Most liveaboards depart from a designated marina. Many operators offer airport pickup and transfers — details are in your voucher. We recommend arriving one day before departure.

What certifications do I need?

A valid dive certification (e.g. PADI Open Water), dive insurance, and a valid passport. Some destinations require additional permits or visas — we inform you during booking.

Can I cancel or change my booking?

Cancellation terms vary by operator and are in your confirmation. Generally, the earlier you cancel the higher the refund. Changes depend on availability — contact us as soon as possible.

Vessel Technical Overview

Vessel Specifications

Year built2015
Cruising speed9 knots
Top speed12 knots
Max guests14
Number of cabins7
Number of bathrooms7
EnginesYanmar Marine Turbo 500 hp
Freshwater maker2 x 5000 liter per day
Water capacity10000 liters
Fuel capacity10000 liters
Tenders2 x 6.5 m fibreglass tenders with 2 x 40 hp

Navigation & Safety Systems

Radar
Depth Sounder
GPS
Radio VHF/DSC/SSB
E.P.I.R.B. Distress System
Emergency Rafts
Life Vests
Fire Alarm & Fire Extinguishers
Oxygen
First Aid Kits
Satellite & mobile phones
Bilge pump alarm
Search light
Engine room CCTV
Crew trained in first aid
Emergency flares

What guests say online

4.8 / 5(52 reviews)
How is this overall rating calculated?

The headline score is the simple average of the category scores shown below (Boat, Crew, Value, Diving, Dive sites, etc.), each weighted equally. The review count reflects how many source reviews back the underlying analysis. When no category breakdown is available for a vessel, the headline falls back to the guest-weighted average across source platforms.

The Samambaia liveaboard consistently receives high praise for its beautiful, luxurious phinisi design and comfortable, spacious cabins. Guests particularly highlight the exceptional crew service, expert dive guides, and incredible diving experiences in diverse Indonesian locatio

Boat4.9
Crew4.9
Food4.6
Value4.5
Cabins4.7
Diving4.8
Dive guides4.8
Most praised
  • +Beautiful, comfortable, and luxurious vessel
  • +Exceptional crew and attentive service
  • +Incredible diving and knowledgeable guides
  • +Spacious, tastefully finished cabins

Based on approximately 52 reviews. Aggregated rating based on reviews from multiple independent dive travel and operator platforms as well as on ratings from our customers. Public statements from diving forums and community platforms may also be incorporated as text into the highlighted praises and critiques. Ratings are independently calculated and are not affiliated with or endorsed by the source platforms.

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Book your unforgettable diving adventure aboard the Samambaia